Big Ten Network, Comcast Exchange Barbs Over Carriage Talks
While Fox National Cable Sports Networks President Bob Thompson said there has been “no negotiation for a month” with Comcast to carry the new Big Ten Network, Comcast Midwest Division President Bill Connors said that he “had a ‘meaningful conversation’ with a Fox official as recently as Wednesday evening,” according to Teddy Greenstein of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. But a Fox spokesperson said that no specific offer was made during that session. Connors said he was “absolutely incensed" and "shocked" by the BTN’s stance, calling it "a clear indication that there’s some desperation on their part. We’re also desperate to get something done.” While reports have stated BTN is asking for $1.10 per sub, Thompson said, “We have never made a proposal to them at $1.10. ... [That] is the sticker price for a car.” When asked if BTN had been “genuine in their willingness to lower their subscriber rate,” Connors said Thompson “has been genuine in that he equated himself to a car salesman who is floating a sticker price.” Thompson said that he “remains ‘optimistic’ that deals can be worked out with operators such as Time Warner, Charter, Mediacom, RCN and Dish Network” (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/24).
DEFENSIVE LINE: In Minneapolis, Judd Zulgad reports Comcast informed subscribers via channel 255 on its sports tier that BTN will be placed there “pending authorization of the conference and Fox Cable Networks.” Thompson said that Comcast “has been asked to remove the information,” but Comcast spokesperson Mary Beth Schubert said the message is there “to let our customers know we are committed to making the Big Ten Network available as part of the sports tier if the Big Ten and Fox Cable Networks will agree to let customers have that choice” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 8/23).
OTHER SYSTEMS: Comcast and WOW officials gave "different opinions on the process of negotiations." WOW has about 550,000 subs in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. Wow officials said that they "aren't confident" about finalizing a deal by the BTN's August 30 launch, despite BTN spokesperson Elizabeth Conlisk's claim that talks have been "very positive" (DETROIT NEWS, 8/24). BTN could be available on the Univ. of Iowa campus before the school's September 8 game against Syracuse. Iowa Video Services Program Manager Mike McBride said, "Our intent is to have it up and running by the (Syracuse) game, but there are some technical issues that have to be worked out" (DES MOINES REGISTER, 8/22).
BROADER IMPLICATIONS: Pali analyst Richard Greenfield is advising cable investors to "closely watch the carriage spat between Big Ten Network and cable ops, citing worries that the MSOs have the most to lose." More than 50% of Mediacom's sub base "is affected by the impasse," as is more than 20% of Charter's and 15-20% of Comcast's and Time Warner's. Greenfield said that while football season "may not inflict great pain on the 4, 'it would appear that BTN's leverage only goes up as we shift into basketball season'" (CABLEFAX DAILY, 8/24).
|
Related Stories By Company
|
Related Stories By Sport
|
World Series Ratings Up 39% Over '08
November 6, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Fox' World Series Clincher Up 40%
November 5, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
World Series Game Five Up 10% On Fox
November 4, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Global To Use Comcast Ties At Sears Centre
November 4, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
WS Game Five Gives Fox 12.8 Overnight
November 3, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
|
UCF-Adidas Spat May Head To Court
November 6, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
WAC Hires PR Firm To Help Boise State
November 5, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
ESPN Interested In March Madness Rights
November 5, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
Jordan Wears Nike; adidas Ending UCF Deal
November 5, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
NCAA HQs Will Receive $35M Expansion
November 2, 2009 :
SportsBusiness Daily
|
|
